Design work on the Kirovs began in 1968 with the requirement for a multipurpose ship
mainly for anti-ship work. Early designs were rejected by Admiral Gorshkov as being
too weakly armed, as they were nothing more than nuclear powered Kyndas.
Work was delayed because the design team thought that the ships should not be of more
than 8000 tons displacement. The final design required between 4 and 6 submarine reactors,
which was considered too cumbersome and unreliable, so a nuclear powerplant design
bureau created the unique combined nuclear and steam solution.
Kirov was built to Project 1144. All others are built to Project 1144.2. All ships were
renamed on 22nd April 1992.
History & Modifications
Frunze:
Frunze has been laid up for some time and may soon be scrapped. She is commissioned in the
Pacific Fleet.
Kalinin:
Kalinin is commissioned in the Northern Fleet and not all her systems may be working.
Attempts are being made to raise money for a refit.
Kirov:
Kirov suffered a major accident with her engines in 1990. She is commissioned in the
Northern Fleet, although not all her systems may be working, and attempts are being
made to raise money for a refit.
Yuri Andropov:
Yuri Andropovs completion was delayed due to lack of money. She is commissioned in the
Northern Fleet.